MESA, Ariz. — A tense and fast-moving incident on Sunday afternoon led to an officer-involved shooting that shut down a major stretch of U.S. 60 in Mesa, causing massive traffic backups and prompting a large police presence.
According to the Mesa Police Department, the situation began around 4:30 p.m. when officers were dispatched to a reported domestic disturbance at an apartment complex nearby. The 911 caller reported that a man had kicked in the apartment door, armed himself with a knife, and attempted to force a woman into his vehicle. Police say the man and the woman knew each other, though the exact nature of their relationship has not been confirmed.
When officers arrived at the apartment, the suspect had already fled in his truck. A pursuit began, during which police attempted to stop the vehicle using a PIT maneuver—a technique designed to force a fleeing car to turn sideways and stop—but the attempt was unsuccessful.
The chase continued until the suspect suddenly stopped his truck, exited, and ran toward the highway. He crossed the median and entered the eastbound lanes of U.S. 60 near Loop 101 and Country Club Drive.
Mesa PD Detective John Dreyer reported that officers attempted to subdue the suspect with a Taser, but the attempt failed. The suspect then allegedly reached toward his waistband, prompting an officer to open fire. The 37-year-old suspect was struck and taken to the hospital, where he is expected to survive.
No officers were injured during the incident.
ADOT traffic cameras showed more than 10 police vehicles at the scene, with traffic halted in both directions. The closure quickly caused significant delays across the East Valley, and as of Sunday evening, there was no estimated time for reopening the highway.
The incident remains under investigation, and the involved officer’s name has not yet been released. Police will also be reviewing body-worn camera footage as part of standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes while the scene remains active.
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